The organizer of the 2018 Asian Games in Palembang, South Sumatra, have rearranged the schedules of several events to allow Muslim athletes to observe the Idul Adha (Day of Sacrifice) prayer on Wednesday.

The holiday prayer is typically held at 7 a.m. in the morning and lasts more than an hour. The Asian Games has at least three sports competitions scheduled for 9 a.m. on Wednesday that may prevent Muslim athletes from observing Idul Adha.

Yusuf Wibowo of the Palembang organizing committee said they had rescheduled the sepak takraw and bowling events to 10 a.m. on Wednesday. However, the shooting event's schedule remained unchanged, as the venue was near a mosque.

“We have communicated [the new schedule] to each sport division,” Yusuf, who also heads the Palembang Sport and Youth Agency, told The Jakarta Post on Tuesday.

The orrganizer has also readied two areas near the Jakabaring Athletes Village for the Idul Adha prayer: a mosque with a capacity of 1,300 worshipers and an open lot to accommodate Muslim athletes.

An estimated 1,000 Muslims are among the Asiad contingent in Palembang. (nkn)